The documentary "Everybody Street" directed by Cheryl Dunn, takes a look at New York street photographers. The film interviews several well-known street photographers and shares their images they have captured over the years. Before watching the film, I was not sure how street photography worked nor did I know how ethical it was. There are several types of street photographers. According to the website Urbanpicnic, "Street photography are mirror images of society, displaying "unmanipulated" scenes, with usually unaware subjects." There are the photographers that just get in your face, take your picture, and walk away like photographer Bruce Gilden. Then there are the photographers that live in the environment that they want to document. In the film, the photographer Boogie talks about the time he spent with junkies and gangsters. He placed himself in the middle of their lives and soon they trusted him. This allowed him to take some powerful images that we would not be able to see in our day to day lives.
Street photography simply fascinates me. It is the idea that one can capture real life in all its forms. Having images that no longer exist. It also makes me think if I would ever have the courage as a photographer to take pictures of total strangers. I would be afraid that the people would have a negative reaction or even a violent reaction. I guess its the chance you take to get the images that most people wouldn't even attempt. It is truly an art form. Most, if not all, street photographers use analog photography and do not edit their images. That is something to admire when we have so many editing tools that can completely change what was originally seen through the lens.
It makes me wonder how long street photography will last. Social Media has allowed people to take photos wherever they are and share instantly with everyone and most of those pictures are enhanced in one way or another. I personally would never want street photography to die and I am truly grateful for those who have given us true images of life. So the question I ask you, "Do you believe street photography is an art form or an invasion of someones privacy?"
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